Method and apparatus for discovering and selecting a network to provide connectivity for provisioning user subscription data

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for discovering and selecting networks that provide connectivity for transmitting user subscription data. A UE in a wireless communication system includes a transceiver and at least one processor configured to identify pre-configured first information including a first list, the first list including at least one ID of at least one network group providing initial access to an NPN; receive, via the transceiver, second information including at least one second list from at least one base station, the at least one second list including at least one ID of at least one network group supported by at least one base station and providing initial access to an NPN; and, based on the first and second information, select a network to be initially accessed from the network groups corresponding to the at least one ID included in the first list and the at least one second list.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to communication systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for selecting a network that provides network connectivity to a terminal to receive subscription information in a non-public network (NPN). Background Technology

[0002] To meet the surge in demand for wireless data traffic since the commercialization of fourth-generation (4G) communication systems, efforts have been made to develop improved fifth-generation (5G) or near-5G communication systems. For this reason, 5G or near-5G communication systems are also referred to as super-4G network communication systems or post-Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems.

[0003] It is believed that 5G communication systems will be implemented in millimeter-wave (mm-wave) bands (e.g., the 60 GHz band) to achieve higher data rates. In 5G communication systems, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and large antenna technologies have been discussed as ways to reduce propagation path loss and increase propagation distance in the ultra-high frequency band.

[0004] For system network improvements, technologies such as evolved small cells, advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, cooperative communication, coordinated multipoints (CoMPs), and interference cancellation have been developed in 5G communication systems.

[0005] In 5G systems, advanced coding and modulation (ACM) schemes, including hybrid frequency shift keying (FSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulation (FQAM), and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC), have been developed, as well as advanced access schemes including filter bank multicarrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA).

[0006] In 5G systems, support for a wide range of services has been considered compared to existing 4G systems. For example, the most representative services may include Mobile Ultra-Wideband (eMBB) services, Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services, Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC) services, and Next-Generation Broadcast Services (Evolved Multimedia Broadcast / Multicast Services: eMBMS), etc. A system providing URLLC services can be called an URLLC system, while a system providing eMBB services can be called an eMBB system. The terms "service" and "system" are used interchangeably.

[0007] Unlike existing 4G systems, URLLC service is a new service considered in 5G systems, and compared to other services, it needs to meet ultra-reliability requirements (e.g., approximately 10). -5 The conditions include a low packet error rate and low latency (e.g., approximately 0.5 milliseconds). To meet such stringent requirements, URLLC services need to apply shorter Transmission Time Intervals (TTIs) than eMBB services, and various operational schemes using TTIs have been considered.

[0008] The Internet, as a human-centric network of connections where people generate and consume information, is now evolving into the Internet of Things (IoT), in which distributed entities, such as objects, exchange and process information. The Internet of Everything (IoE) has also emerged, combining IoT technology with big data processing technologies through connections to cloud servers and other systems. To realize the IoT, various technological elements are required, such as sensing technologies, wired / wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interface technologies, and security technologies. Recently, technologies related to sensor networks for connecting objects, machine-to-machine (M2M), and machine-type communication (MTC) have been researched.

[0009] Such an IoT environment can provide intelligent Internet of Things (IT) services that create new value for human life by collecting and analyzing data generated between interconnected objects. IoT can be applied to various fields through the integration and combination of existing IT and various industries, including smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart appliances, and advanced medical services.

[0010] Therefore, various attempts have been made to apply 5G communication systems to IoT networks. For example, 5G communication technologies such as sensor networks, M2M, and MTC have been implemented through solutions such as beamforming, MIMO, and array antennas. Cloud radio access networks (RAN), as an application of big data processing technology, can also be an example of the integration of 5G and IoT technologies.

[0011] Because various services have been provided due to the development of mobile communication systems as described above, there is a need for a scheme that efficiently utilizes non-public networks (NPNs) to provide such services in locations such as factories, schools, and companies using self-networks. NPNs can be classified as standalone NPNs (SNPNs) and public network integrated NPNs (PNINPNs). The above information is presented as background information only to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination or assertion is made regarding whether any of the above content can be applied to this disclosure as prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Solution to the problem

[0013] The aspects of this disclosure are intended to at least address the aforementioned problems and / or disadvantages, and to provide at least the following advantages. Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for efficiently providing services by using a non-public network (NPN) in a wireless communication system.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for efficiently selecting the network available to a terminal (or user equipment) in an NPN system.

[0015] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for reducing radio resource consumption in an NPN system when a terminal (or user equipment) selects a network.

[0016] Other aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become clear in part from the description or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0017] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a user equipment (UE) is provided in a wireless communication system. The UE includes a transceiver and at least one processor configured to identify pre-configured first information including a first list, the first list including at least one identifier (ID) of at least one network group providing initial access to a non-public network (NPN); receive, via the transceiver, second information including at least one second list from at least one base station, the at least one second list including at least one ID of at least one network group supported by at least one base station and providing initial access to the NPN; and, based on the first and second information, select a network to be initially accessed from the network groups corresponding to the at least one ID included in the first list and the at least one second list.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a base station in a wireless communication system is provided. The base station includes a transceiver and at least one processor configured to transmit via the transceiver a first piece of information including a list comprising at least one identifier (ID) of at least one network group supported by the base station and providing initial access to a non-public network (NPN); and to receive via the transceiver a request from a user equipment (UE) to connect to a network corresponding to the network group included in the list.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes identifying pre-configured first information including a first list, the first list including at least one identifier (ID) of at least one network group providing initial access to a non-public network (NPN); receiving second information from at least one base station including at least one second list, the at least one second list including at least one ID of at least one network group supported by at least one base station and providing initial access to the NPN; and selecting, based on the first and second information, a network to be initially accessed from the network groups corresponding to the at least one ID included in the first list and the at least one second list.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting first information comprising a list including at least one identifier (ID) of at least one network group supported by the base station and providing initial access to a non-public network (NPN); and receiving from a user equipment (UE) a request to connect to a network corresponding to the network group included in the list.

[0021] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Before proceeding with the detailed implementation below, it may be advantageous to define certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “comprising” and “including” and their derivatives mean to include rather than to limit; the term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated with” and their derivatives may mean to include, to be included, interconnected, contain, be contained, connected to or connected with, coupled to or coupled with, communicable with, cooperate, intertwine, juxtapose, approach, bind to or bind with, have, have the attributes of, etc.; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software or at least some combination of both.

[0023] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1The structure of a fifth-generation (5G) network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 An entity for sending a user subscription to a terminal (or user equipment (UE)) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 The present disclosure illustrates a process for onboarding a terminal (or user device) to receive user subscription data according to embodiments thereof;

[0028] Figure 4 This illustration shows a process for discovering and selecting a standalone non-public network (SNPN) for a loading terminal (or user equipment) when multiple loading SNPN networks exist, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 The present disclosure illustrates a process for discovering and selecting a standalone non-public network (SNPN) for a loading terminal when multiple loading SNPN networks exist.

[0030] Figure 6 The structure of a user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 7 The structure of a base station (5G access network (AN)) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0032] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method for a terminal to discover and select a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] In all the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals will be understood to refer to similar parts, components and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. The various embodiments of this disclosure include various specific details to aid understanding, but these are to be considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted.

[0035] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their documentary meaning, but are used solely by the inventors to enable a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of this disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0036] It should be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “component surface” includes a reference to one or more such surfaces.

[0037] In this document, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, technical content that is well-known in the art and not directly related to this disclosure will not be described. By omitting unnecessary descriptions, the subject matter of this disclosure will be described more clearly without becoming obscure.

[0038] For the same reason, some elements in the accompanying drawings will be enlarged, omitted, or simplified. The size of each element does not perfectly reflect its actual size. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements will be referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0039] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods of implementing them, will become clear from the embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but can be implemented in various ways, and embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to understand the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is defined by the class of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0040] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the blocks of a flowchart and combinations thereof can be represented and executed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the instructions, implemented by the processor of the computer or programmable data processing apparatus, produce parts for performing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium that can instruct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium produce an article of writing including instructions for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus, thereby producing a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed by the computer or other programmable apparatus can provide operations for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0041] Furthermore, each box represents a module, code segment, or code section, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specific logical function. It should also be noted that in other implementations, the functions marked in the boxes may not occur in the indicated order. For example, two boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these boxes may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0042] In the current embodiments, the term "~cell" as used herein refers to a software or hardware component that performs a specific task, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). However, the meaning of "~cell" is not limited to software or hardware. For example, a "~cell" can advantageously be configured to reside on an addressable memory medium and configured to reproduce one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a cell can include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided in components and "~cells" can be combined into fewer components and "~cells" or further divided into additional components and "~cells". Furthermore, components and "~cells" can be implemented as one or more CPUs in an execution device or a secure multimedia card.

[0043] In the following text, a base station is an entity that performs resource allocation to terminals and can be at least one of a Node B, a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNode B), a gNode B (gNB), a radio access unit, a base station controller, or a node on a network. A terminal can include a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a computer, or a multimedia system capable of performing communication functions. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to other communication systems having a similar technical background or channel configuration as the embodiments of this disclosure described below. Moreover, based on the determination of those skilled in the art, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to other communication systems with modifications that do not substantially depart from the scope of this disclosure.

[0044] As used in the following description, for ease of explanation, terms are shown for identifying access nodes, for referring to network entities or network functions (NFs), for referring to messages, for referring to interfaces between network objects, and for referring to various identification information. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the following terms, and other terms indicating an objective with equivalent technical meaning may be used.

[0045] In the following description, for ease of description, this disclosure may use terms and names defined in the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE) standard and / or the 3GPP New Radio (NR) standard. However, this disclosure is not limited to these terms and names and may be applied equivalently to systems conforming to other standards.

[0046] Embodiments of this disclosure disclose a scheme to enhance terminal session continuity when the data network access identifier (DNAI) changes due to a user plane function (UPF) relocation based on terminal mobility and the local data network (DN) of the changed DNAI changes. This scheme provides notification to the new application function (AF) (i.e., the target AF) responsible for the changed local DN. Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 The structure of a 5G network according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. The network entities or network nodes constituting the 5G network will now be described.

[0048] The radio access network (AN) 101 is an entity that performs radio resource allocation to a terminal (or user equipment) and may be at least one of an eNode B, gNode B, Node B, BS, Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN), 5G-AN, Radio Access Unit, Base Station Controller, or a node on the network. The terminal may be at least one of a UE, NG UE, MS, cellular phone, smartphone, or computer. The terminal may include a multimedia system capable of performing communication functions. Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described using a 5G system as an example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to other communication systems with similar technical backgrounds. Furthermore, based on the determination of those skilled in the art, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to other communication systems with modifications that do not depart substantially from the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] As wireless communication systems evolve from 4G to 5G, a new core network will be defined, namely the NG core or 5G core (5GC) network. The new core network virtualizes existing network entities (NEs) to form network functions (NFs).

[0050] According to embodiments of this disclosure, NF can refer to network entities, network components, and network resources.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 According to embodiments of this disclosure, 5GC may include NF. 5GC is not limited to... Figure 1 The illustration, and may also include a larger version Figure 1 The NF shown is more or less NF.

[0052] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 109 may be a network function that manages the mobility of a terminal (or user equipment).

[0053] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the Session Management Function (SMF) 111 may be a network function that manages packet data network (PDN) connections provided to terminals. Here, a PDN connection may be referred to as a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0054] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the policy control function (PCF) 121 may be a network function that applies mobile network operator service policies, billing policies, and PDU session policies to a terminal.

[0055] According to embodiments of this disclosure, Unified Data Management (UDM) 123 may be a network function for storing information for subscribers.

[0056] According to embodiments of this disclosure, application function (AF) 125 can be an application function managed by a terminal manufacturer, service provider, or public terrestrial mobile network (PLMN) operator. However, AF 125 can also refer to other application functions responsible for radio capabilities and radio capability IDs, as well as application functions managed by the terminal manufacturer.

[0057] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the Service Communication Proxy (SCP) 113 can relay communications with the appropriate NF to the NF by acting as a proxy server in the delivery of 5G core services. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the Network Exposure Function (NEF) 117 can be a function that provides information about the terminal to a server outside the 5G network. The NEF can provide the 5G network with the information required to provide services, and store that information in a Unified Data Repository (UDR).

[0058] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the User Plane Function (UPF) 103 can act as a gateway for transmitting PDUs to the DN.

[0059] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the Network Library Function (NRF) 119 can be used to discover Network NFs.

[0060] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 107 can perform authentication for terminals on both 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks.

[0061] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 115 can perform the function of selecting network slice instances provided to the terminal.

[0062] According to embodiments of this disclosure, DN 105 may be a data network through which terminals send or receive data to use the services of a network operator or a third party.

[0063] Figure 2 An entity for sending a user subscription to a terminal (or user equipment) according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0064] refer to Figure 2 User equipment (UE) 200 may not have subscriber information or user subscription data. It is assumed that the UE has default UE credentials assigned by the default credential server (DCS). Furthermore, the DCS can assign a unique UE identifier to UE 200, configured separately to identify UE 200. Depending on the network selection mode settings, UE 200 can be configured individually or simultaneously to use either a PLMN network selection mode using a normal network or an NPN network selection mode using an NPN.

[0065] The Onboarding Standalone Non-Public Network (O-SNPN) 800 can provide a User Plane (UP)-based Internet Protocol (IP) connection (UE loading) or a Control Plane (CP)-based Non-Access Stratum (NAS) connection to a UE that does not have subscriber information or user subscription data, allowing the UE to download user subscription data. Loading may refer to the device's initial access to the network.

[0066] To determine whether to provide UE loading services to the UE, the DCS can be requested to perform authentication on the UE.

[0067] The Default Credential Server (DCS) 600 can pre-configure default UE credentials and a unique UE identifier for UE 200 and store related information. When performing UE registration for loading, the DCS 600 can be requested from the O-SNPN network 800 to perform authentication for UE 200. This authentication can be performed using the default UE credentials. When the Provisioning Server (PS) 500 sends user subscription data to UE 200, to determine whether UE 200 is authorized to receive user subscription data, the DCS 600 can be requested from the PS 500 to perform authentication / authorization for UE 200. The DCS 600 can be the manufacturer of UE 200, a third party associated with the manufacturer, or an SNPN operator.

[0068] The PS 500 can receive user subscription data, such as network credentials and user configuration information, from the network operator and send the received user subscription data to the UE 200. The PS 500 can exist as a server alongside the DCS 600, and its owner can be the manufacturer of the UE 200, a third party associated with the manufacturer, or a similar SNPN operator as the DCS 600. Authentication / authorization for the UE can be performed through communication with the DCS 600.

[0069] The SNPN network 700, which possesses user subscription data, can send the user subscription data to the UE 200 via the PS server 500. The network operator may have in advance the identifier information of the UE to which it will provide the user subscription data.

[0070] Figure 3 A process for loading a UE to receive user subscription data, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is illustrated.

[0071] refer to Figure 3 The wireless communication system that performs the UE loading process may include UE 200, 5G-AN300, 5GC network 400, PS 500, DCS 600 and SNPN network 700.

[0072] In this paper, the 5G-AN 300 can perform radio resource allocation to the UE 200 and send system information to the UE 200. The 5GC network 400 can be implemented as an SNPN, while the SNPN network 700 can be implemented as a network (NPN or PLMN) that has user subscriber information (network credentials and configuration information).

[0073] In Operation 1, UE 200 can be pre-configured with default UE credentials and a unique UE ID assigned from DCS 600. UE 200 may include the following initial default configurations: PLMN ID, Network Information Function (NIF) of SNPN, Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), Data Network Name (DNN), etc. In this case, the default UE credentials can be configured by UE 200, but the network credentials may not be configured and can be provided to UE 200 for the loading process.

[0074] UE 200 may pre-configure a list of SNPN IDs, including the identifiers (SNPN IDs) of SNPN operators contracted with the manufacturer to provide loading services, to select the network used to provide loading. The SNPN ID may be configured in the form of PLMN ID+NID. Alternatively, UE 200 may pre-configure DCS group IDs, which are group IDs of SNPN operators contracted to provide loading services. DCS groups may be groups formed through prior agreement between SNPN operators. DCS groups may be groups categorized according to the relevant service type of the SNPN operator or the operator owning the DCS server. DCS group IDs may include PLMN IDs and NIDs in the form of SNPN IDs, and may include at least one of location information, geographic information, or country code information (Mobile Country Code (MCC) or Mobile Network Code (MNC)). In embodiments of this disclosure, the list of SNPN IDs or DCS group IDs pre-configured in UE 200 may be updated by the SNPN network.

[0075] In operation 2, UE 200 can discover and select an O-SNPN network based on the received broadcast system information. During network selection, since user subscription data about the SNPN network is lacking, UE 200 can send its unique UE identity and default UE credentials to the SNPN network. UE 200 can also send information such as application identifiers or service provider identifiers.

[0076] In operation 2B, 5G-AN 300 and 5GC network 400 can send the unique UE identity and default UE credentials of UE 200 to the DCS 600 managing UE 200 to request authentication regarding whether the UE can access the network for loading. This authentication can be performed by selecting either primary authentication or network slice-specific authentication and authorization (NSSAA).

[0077] In operation 3, UE 200 can generate a configuration PDU session. This PDU session can be generated using known or pre-configured S-NSSAI / DNN or S-NSSAI / DNN information received from DCS600. The AMF can select a specified SMF for this purpose, and the SMF can also select a specified PDU session anchor (PSA) UPF.

[0078] In Operation 4A, information pre-configured in the UE can be used at the application layer, or the PS 500 can be discovered via an application identifier or service provider identifier. The PS 500 can send the UE's unique UE identifier and default UE credentials to the DCS 600 to authenticate the UE 200.

[0079] In Operation 4B, PS 500 can not only request and receive network credentials for future SNPNs with subscriptions from SNPN network 700, but also request and receive user subscription data or other UE configuration parameters (e.g., PDU session parameters, such as S-NSSAI, DNN, URSP, QoS rules, and other parameters required to access SNPN and establish regular PDU sessions).

[0080] In Operation 4C, PS 500 can send data received from SNPN network 700 in Operation 4B to UE 200.

[0081] In operation 5, when UE 200 successfully receives data in operation 4C, UE 200 can disconnect the configuration PDU session loaded into the network and perform deregistration.

[0082] In operation 6, UE200 can register with the serving network to receive network services by using the received user subscription data. The loading network and the serving network can be the same as or different from each other.

[0083] Figure 4 The present disclosure illustrates a process for discovering and selecting an SNPN network for UE loading when multiple SNPN networks are available.

[0084] refer to Figure 4In Operation 1, UE 200 can be pre-configured with the default UE credentials and unique UE ID assigned from DCS 600. UE 200 may include the following initial default configurations: PLMN ID, SNPN NIF, S-NSSAI, DNN, etc.

[0085] In this scenario, the default UE credentials can be configured by UE 200, but the network credentials may not be configured and can be provided to UE 200 for the loading process.

[0086] UE 200 may pre-configure a list of SNPN IDs, including the identifiers (SNPN IDs) of SNPN operators contracted with the manufacturer to provide loading services, to select the network used to provide loading. SNPN IDs may be configured in the form of PLMN ID+NID. Alternatively, UE 200 may pre-configure a list of DCS group IDs, including DCS group IDs (which are group IDs of SNPN operators contracted to provide loading services) or multiple DCS group IDs. DCS groups may be groups formed through prior agreement between SNPN operators. DCS groups may be groups categorized according to the relevant service type of the SNPN operator or the operator owning the DCS server. DCS group IDs may include PLMN IDs and N IDs similar to SNPN IDs, and at least one of location information, geographic information, or country information (MCC or MNC). In embodiments of this disclosure, the list of SNPN IDs or the list of DCS group IDs pre-configured in UE 200 may be updated by the SNPN network.

[0087] In Operation A, UE 200 can operate in SNPN access mode to perform network selection. This is because the DCS group ID may have a similar form to the SNPN ID. When the DCS group ID has a different form, UE 200 can select an access mode different from the SNPN access mode.

[0088] In operation 2, in the embodiment shown in the current figure, the 5G-AN 300 and 5GC network 400 can broadcast not only their SNPN IDs via broadcast system information, but also the DCS group IDs of the DCS groups to which they belong via broadcast system information. In the embodiment shown in the current figure, SNPN#1 includes the DCS group ID#2 pre-configured in UE 200, allowing UE 200 to select SNPN#1 as the network to load.

[0089] In operation 3, UE 200 can perform initial access in the selected SNPN to register.

[0090] After that, it can be similar to Figure 3 The operation is performed in the same way as operation 3B.

[0091] Figure 5 The present disclosure illustrates a process for discovering and selecting an SNPN network for UE loading when multiple SNPN networks are available.

[0092] refer to Figure 5 In Operation 1, UE 200 can be pre-configured with default UE credentials and a unique UE ID assigned from DCS 600. UE 200 may include the following initial default configurations: PLMN ID, SNPN NIF, S-NSSAI, DNN, etc. In this case, the default UE credentials can be configured by UE 200, but network credentials may not be configured and can be provided to UE 200 for the loading process.

[0093] UE 200 may pre-configure a list of SNPN IDs, including the identifiers (SNPN IDs) of SNPN operators contracted with the manufacturer to provide loading services, to select the network used to provide loading. SNPN IDs may be configured in the form of PLMN ID+NID. Alternatively, UE 200 may pre-configure a list of DCS group IDs, including DCS group IDs (which are group IDs of SNPN operators contracted to provide loading services) or multiple DCS group IDs. DCS groups may be groups formed through prior agreement between SNPN operators. DCS groups may be groups categorized according to the relevant service type of the SNPN operator or the operator owning the DCS server. DCS group IDs may include PLMN IDs and NIDs in the form of SNPN IDs, and may include at least one of location information, geographic information, or country code information (Mobile Country Code (MCC) or Mobile Network Code (MNC)). In embodiments of this disclosure, the list of SNPN IDs or the list of DCS group IDs pre-configured in UE 200 may be updated by the SNPN network. In the embodiment shown in the current figure, UE 200 can be pre-configured with DCS group ID#2.

[0094] In Operation A, UE 200 can operate in Load Mode to perform network selection. This is intended to receive and identify a Load Indicator from the SNPN network and request a list of DCS group IDs. The Load Indicator may be information used to indicate whether the base station supports network loading.

[0095] In operation 2, in the embodiment shown in the current figure, the 5G-AN 300 and 5GC network 400 can broadcast their SNPN IDs and loading indications indicating whether loading is supported via broadcast system information. In the embodiment shown in the current figure, the 5G-AN 300 and 5GC network 400 can broadcast loading indications indicating that SNPN#1 and SNPN#2 support loading via broadcast system information.

[0096] In operation 3, the UE 200 performing network selection in loading mode can request a list of DCS group IDs supported by the SNPN networks (SNPN#1 and SNPN#2) through a system information request message based on the received loading instruction.

[0097] In operation 4, each of SNPNs #1 and SNPN #2 that has received the system information request can send a list of DCS group IDs or DCS group IDs supported by each SNPN to UE 200 via a system information message.

[0098] UE 200 can identify the DCS group IDs supported by the SNPN network from the received system information messages and select an SNPN network that includes a DCS group ID pre-configured in UE 200. When multiple SNPN networks exist that include a DCS group ID pre-configured in UE 200, UE 200 can select an SNPN network based on priority information. Priority information can be pre-configured in UE 200, and the UE can reflect and configure information included in the received signals.

[0099] In the embodiment of the current figure, during operation 5, UE 200 may perform initial access to register in the selected SNPN#1.

[0100] After that, it can be similar to Figure 3 The same operation is performed as operation 5B and the operation after operation 5B.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a view used to describe the structure of a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] The above reference Figures 1 to 5 The described UE 200 can correspond to Figure 6 UE 200.

[0103] refer to Figure 6 UE 200 may include a transceiver 210, a memory 220, and a processor 230. According to the communication method described above for UE 200, the transceiver 210, processor 230, and memory 220 of UE 200 can operate. However, the components of UE 200 are not limited to the examples described above. For example, UE 200 may include more or fewer components than those described above. Furthermore, the transceiver 210, processor 230, and memory 220 may be implemented as a single chip. The processor 230 may include one or more processors.

[0104] Transceiver 210 can be collectively referred to as a receiver and transmitter of UE 200, and can transmit signals to and receive signals from base stations (e.g., 5G-AN300), NF, PS 500, DCS 600, or other UEs. The signals transmitted to and received from base stations, NF, PS, DCS, or other UEs may include control information and data. For this purpose, transceiver 210 may include an RF transmitter that up-converts and amplifies the frequency of the transmitted signal and an RF signal that amplifies the received signal with low noise and down-converts the frequency. However, this is only an example of transceiver 210, and its components are not limited to RF transmitters and RF receivers.

[0105] Transceiver 210 can receive signals via a radio channel and output the received signals to processor 230, and also transmit signals output from processor 230 via a radio channel.

[0106] The memory 220 can store programs and data required for the operation of the terminal. The memory 220 can also store control information or data included in signals received by the terminal. The memory 220 may include storage media such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, or combinations thereof. The memory 220 may not exist separately and may be included in the processor 230.

[0107] Processor 230 can control a series of processes that enable the UE to operate according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above. For example, processor 230 can receive and process control signals and data signals via transceiver 210. Processor 230 can also transmit the processed control signals and data signals via transceiver 210. Multiple processors 230 may be provided, and multiple processors 230 can execute operations of components controlling the UE 200 by executing programs stored in memory 220. Processor 230 can control transceiver 210 and memory 220 to operate according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0108] Figure 7 This is a view used to describe the structure of a base station (5G-AN) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The operations described for each of the SNPN networks, network entities, or NFs can be performed through... Figure 7 The base station will execute this.

[0110] refer to Figure 7A base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300) may include a transceiver 310, a memory 320, and a processor 330. The transceiver 310, processor 330, and memory 320 of the base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300) can operate according to the communication method described above. However, the components of the base station are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the base station may include more or fewer components than those described above. Furthermore, the transceiver 310, processor 330, and memory 320 may be implemented as a single chip. The processor 330 may include one or more processors.

[0111] Transceiver 310 can be collectively referred to as a receiver and transmitter of a base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300), and can transmit signals to and receive signals from NF, PS 500, DCS 600, UE 200, or other base stations. The signals transmitted to and received from NF, PS 500, DCS 600, UE 200, or other base stations may include control information and data. For this purpose, transceiver 310 may include an RF transmitter that up-converts and amplifies the frequency of the transmitted signal and an RF signal that amplifies the received signal with low noise and down-converts the frequency. However, this is only an example of transceiver 310, and its components are not limited to an RF transmitter and an RF receiver.

[0112] Transceiver 310 can receive signals via a radio channel and output the received signals to processor 330, and also transmit signals output from processor 330 via a radio channel.

[0113] The memory 320 can store programs and data required for the operation of the base station. The memory 320 can also store control information or data included in signals acquired by the base station. The memory 320 may include storage media such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, or combinations thereof. The memory 320 may not exist separately and may be included in the processor 330.

[0114] The processor 330 can control a series of processes that enable the base station to operate according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above. For example, the processor 330 can receive and process control signals and data signals via transceiver 310. The processor 330 can also transmit the processed control signals and data signals via transceiver 310. Multiple processors 330 may be provided, and these multiple processors 330 can execute programs stored in memory 320 to operate components that control the base station (e.g., 5G-AN300).

[0115] According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 330 can broadcast its SNPN ID and the DCS group ID of the DCS group to which processor 330 belongs by broadcasting system information, and receive an initial access request for SNPN registration from UE 200.

[0116] According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 330 can broadcast its SNPN ID and a load indication indicating whether loading is supported via broadcast system information, receive a system information request message sent by the load indication received by UE 200 when performing network selection, and in response to the system information request, send a list of DCS group IDs or DCS group IDs supported by the network to which processor 330 belongs to to UE 200 via system information messages.

[0117] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a method for a UE to discover and select a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0118] refer to Figure 8 In operation 802, the UE can configure the access mode. The access mode can be either PLMN access mode or SNPN access mode. In operation 804, the UE 200 can receive system information from a base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300). This system information may include either a PLMN ID or a DCS group ID. In operation 806, having received the system information, the UE 200 can determine the base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300) based on information pre-configured in the UE 200. This pre-configured information may include at least one of a PLMN ID, a DCS group ID, a list of DCS group IDs, or an initial default configuration. In operation 808, the UE 200 can establish a network connection through the determined base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300).

[0119] The methods described in the claims or specification of this disclosure can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0120] When the method is implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium may be provided in which one or more programs (software modules) are stored. The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium may be configured to be executed by one or more processors in an electronic device. The one or more programs include instructions to cause the electronic device to perform the method according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of this disclosure.

[0121] These programs (software modules and software) can be stored in RAM, non-volatile memory including flash memory, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), disk storage devices, CD-ROMs, DVDs, other types of optical storage devices, or magnetic tape. Programs can be stored in a memory configured with a combination of some or all of these storage devices. Furthermore, multiple copies of each type of memory can be provided.

[0122] The program can be stored in an attachable storage device of an electronic device, which can be accessed via a communication network (such as the Internet, intranet, local area network (LAN), wireless LAN (WLAN), or storage area network (SAN), or a communication network combining these networks). The storage device can access a device executing embodiments of this disclosure through an external port. Furthermore, a separate storage device within the communication network can access a device executing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0123] In the detailed embodiments of this disclosure, the components included in this disclosure have been expressed as singular or plural. However, for ease of description, singular or plural expressions have been appropriately selected for the provided conditions, and this disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components, and a component expressed as plural may be configured as a single component, or a component expressed as singular may be configured as multiple components.

[0124] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0125] Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in practice. For example, a portion of one embodiment of this disclosure can be combined with a portion of another embodiment of this disclosure to manage a base station and a UE. Moreover, the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to other communication systems, and other modifications based on the technical spirit of the embodiments can be implemented in other communication systems.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising: transceiver; One or more processors are communicatively coupled to a transceiver; as well as The memory, communicatively coupled to one or more processors, stores instructions that can be executed individually or jointly by the one or more processors to enable the UE to: Identify configuration information, which includes at least one first group identifier ID for at least one network group of network servers used to authorize access to the first independent non-public network SNPN. The system receives, via first system information, a Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN) ID, a Network Identifier (NID), and an indication related to the loading of a second SNPN from at least one base station, wherein the PLMN ID and the NID are used to identify the second SNPN. Send a system information request for second system information to at least one base station. Second system information is received from at least one base station. This second system information includes a first list containing at least one second group ID of at least one network group of network servers authorized to grant access to the second SNPN, wherein the at least one second group ID is used to support loading. Based on the instruction, a second SNPN is selected, wherein the second SNPN corresponds to configuration information including at least one first set of IDs, and The registration process proceeds to the second SNPN.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein, The instruction is broadcast when the load is supported by a second SNPN.

3. The UE according to claim 1, wherein, The memory stores further instructions, which can be executed individually or jointly by one or more processors to enable the UE to: The second SNPN is selected based on the information from the second system.

4. The UE according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one first group ID is configured as a combination of PLMN ID and NID. Among them, priority information regarding at least one SNPN is pre-configured in the UE, and The at least one first group ID and the pre-configured priority information are updated by the credential server.

5. The UE according to claim 1, wherein, The UE's credential information is pre-configured, and The memory stores further instructions, which can be executed individually or jointly by one or more processors to enable the UE to: Send the UE's credential information to the provider server PS via the selected network, and Receive data from PS.

6. A base station in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising: transceiver; One or more processors are communicatively coupled to a transceiver; as well as A memory, communicatively coupled to one or more processors, stores instructions that can be executed individually or jointly by the one or more processors to enable the base station to: The system transmits a Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID), a Network Identifier (NID), and an indication related to loading a first Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN) via a first system information transmission, wherein the PLMN ID and the NID are used to identify the first SNPN. Receive system information request for second system information from user equipment (UE). Send second system information, the second system information including a first list containing at least one first group identifier ID of at least one network group of network servers for authorizing access to the first SNPN, wherein the at least one first group ID is used to support loading, and The UE receives a request to register to a first SNPN, wherein the first SNPN corresponds to an indication and configuration information in the UE. The configuration information includes at least one second group ID of at least one network group of the network server used to authorize access to the second SNPN.

7. The base station according to claim 6, wherein, The instruction is broadcast when the load is supported by the first SNPN.

8. The base station according to claim 6, wherein, Priority information for at least one SNPN is pre-configured in the UE, and The priority information pre-configured in the at least one second group ID and UE is updated by the credential server.

9. The base station according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one first group ID is configured as a combination of PLMN ID and NID.

10. The base station according to claim 6, wherein, The memory stores further instructions, which can be executed individually or jointly by one or more processors to enable the base station to: Receive UE's credentials from UE. Send the received credentials to the provider server PS. Receive data from PS, and Send the received data to the UE.

11. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Identify configuration information, which includes at least one first group identifier ID for at least one network group of network servers used to authorize access to the first independent non-public network SNPN; Receive, via first system information, a Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN) ID, a Network Identifier (NID), and an indication related to loading a second SNPN from at least one base station, wherein the PLMN ID and the NID are used to identify the second SNPN; Send a system information request for second system information to at least one base station; Receive second system information from at least one base station, the second system information including a first list containing at least one second group ID of at least one network group of network servers for authorizing access to the second SNPN, wherein the at least one second group ID is used to support loading; Based on the instruction, a second SNPN is selected, wherein the second SNPN corresponds to configuration information including at least one first group ID; as well as The registration process proceeds to the second SNPN.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The instruction is broadcast when the load is supported by a second SNPN.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The second SNPN is selected based on the information from the second system.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one first group ID is configured as a combination of PLMN ID and NID. Among them, priority information regarding at least one SNPN is pre-configured in the UE, and The at least one first group ID and the pre-configured priority information are updated by the credential server.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Send the UE's credentials to the provider server PS via the selected network; as well as Receive data from PS. The UE's credentials are pre-configured.

16. A method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: The system transmits a Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN) ID, a Network Identifier (NID), and an indication related to loading a first Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN) via a first system information transmission, wherein the PLMN ID and the NID are used to identify the first SNPN; Receive system information request for second system information from user equipment (UE); Send second system information, the second system information including a first list containing at least one first group identifier ID of at least one network group of network servers for authorizing access to the first SNPN, wherein the at least one first group ID is used to support loading; as well as The UE receives a request to register to a first SNPN, wherein the first SNPN corresponds to an indication and configuration information in the UE. The configuration information includes at least one second group ID of at least one network group of the network server used to authorize access to the second SNPN.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The instruction is broadcast when the load is supported by the first SNPN.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Priority information for at least one SNPN is pre-configured in the UE, and The priority information pre-configured in the at least one second group ID and UE is updated by the credential server.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, The at least one first group ID is configured as a combination of PLMN ID and NID.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: Receive UE's credentials from the UE; Send the received credentials to the supply server PS; Receive data from PS; as well as Send the received data to the UE.

Images